"One moment. I wonder, Miss Fountain,"--he chose his words slowly--"if I could make you understand my position. It is this. My sister brings a young lady, her stepdaughter, to stay under my roof. That young lady happens to be connected with a family in this neighbourhood, which is already well known to me. For some of its members I have nothing but respect--about one I happen to have a strong opinion. I have reasons, for my opinion. I imagine that very few people of any way of thinking would hold me either unreasonable or prejudiced in the matter. Naturally, it gives me some concern that a young lady towards whom I feel a certain responsibility should be much seen with this young man. He is not her equal socially, and--pardon me--she knows nothing at all about the type to which he belongs. Indirectly I try to warn her. I speak to my sister as gently as I can. But from the first she rejects all I have to say--she gives me credit for no good intention--and she will have none of my advice. At last a disagreeable incident happens--and unfortunately the knowledge of it is not confined to ourselves----" Laura threw him a flashing look. "No!--there are people who have taken care of that!" she said. Helbeck took no notice. "It is known not only to ourselves," he repeated steadily. "It starts gossip. My sister is troubled. She asks you to put an end to this state of things, and she consults me, feeling that indeed we are all in some way concerned." "Oh, say at once that I have brought scandal on you all!" cried Laura. "That of course is what Sister Angela and Father Bowles have been saying to Augustina. They are pleased to show the greatest anxiety about me--so much so, that they most kindly wish to relieve me of the charge of Augustina.--So I understand! But I fear I am neither docile nor grateful!--that I never shall be grateful----" Helbeck interrupted. "Let us come to that presently. I should like to finish my story. While my sister and I are consulting, trying to think of all that can be done to stop a foolish talk and undo an unlucky incident, this same young lady"--his voice took a cold clearness--"steals out by night to keep an appointment with this man, who has already done her so great a disservice. Now I should like to ask her, if all this is kind--is reasonable--is generous towards the persons with whom she is at present living--if such conduct is not"--he paused--"unwise towards herself--unjust towards others." His words came out with a strong and vibrating emphasis. Laura confronted him with crimson cheeks. "I think that will do, Mr. Helbeck!" she cried. "You have had your say.--Now just let me say this,--these people were my relations--I have no other kith and kin in the world." He made a quick step forward as though in distress. But she put up her hand.